SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council has called for an independent investigation into allegations made against former City Administrator Johnnie Perkins.
They want to look into the process of review by City leadership and the alleged violations of City policy.
Perkins was placed on administrative leave on June 23 as “concerns from employees” have been forwarded to the city’s human resources department.
Not long after, he resigned from his position as City Administrator on July 13 in a letter sent to Mayor Nadine Woodward. According to the mayor’s office, the resignation came as an investigation found evidence he had violated the city’s sexual harassment policy.
In the letter, Perkins wrote he has been suffering from health issues which forced him to resign, effective immediately. “I have enjoyed my service to you and the amazing people and great City of Spokane. However, my health is priority.” Perkins said.
After Perkins resignation, Woodward announced that the investigation was closed. She also mentioned that there was clear evidence that the former city administrator did violate City sexual harassment policy.
In a follow-up meeting, Mayor Woodward said she couldn’t share additional details about the investigation and referred the media to the formal complaint.
NonStop Local was able to receive the HR reports from the City.
In the report it summarized David Moss, the director of Spokane’s human resources department, findings. He wrote that interviews showed Perkins directly violated policy, used inappropriate language, showed a lack of respect for others, created a hostile work environment and created negative employee morale.
Alongside the report, obtained by NonStop Local via a public records request, the city provided a number of emails between Perkins and the witnesses, as well as emails from witnesses to Spokane City Attorney Mike Piccollo.
Johnnie Perkins has denied many of these allegations.
Due to the severity of these allegations, City Council wants to investigate to see if there are potentially more violations that are not publicly known, see if the investigation was mishandled by the City leadership and look at the incompleteness of the investigation done by the Human Resources Department.
They will holding a meeting on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. to discuss these issues.
